Two Can Sleeve Packaging With Cross-Panel Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging methods for cylindrical cans fail to securely hold two cans together while allowing visibility and compatibility with retail racks, and do not prevent interference with gravity feed systems.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve is designed from a blank with specific fold lines and cross-panels to securely hold two cylindrical cans side-by-side, with portions extending beyond the sleeve's periphery, and a cross-panel securing the cans in a way that prevents them from passing through, ensuring compatibility with retail racks and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packaging methods are used for cylindrical cans, then the packaging structure is simple, but the cans cannot be securely held together and may interfere with gravity feed systems
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure is divided into multiple functional panels: side panels for structural support, a bottom panel for base support, and a cross panel for securing the cans. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively achieving secure holding without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross panel acts as an intermediary element between the side panels and the cans. It extends across the opening to physically secure the cans in place, preventing them from passing through or interfering with gravity feed systems, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If the sleeve completely encloses the cans, then the cans are securely held, but visibility and compatibility with retail racks are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is segmented into an open sleeve structure with a bottom panel and side panels, rather than a fully enclosed box. This segmentation allows the cans to be visible through the open sides while still being securely held by the bottom panel and cross panel, thus maintaining both security and adaptability for retail display.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of enclosing the cans completely from all sides, the design inverts the approach by providing support and security from the bottom and across the opening, while leaving the sides open. This allows the cans to extend beyond the periphery and remain visible, adapting to retail rack requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the sleeve opening is large to allow can insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but the cans can pass through and escape
Solution Approach 1:
The cross panel is positioned to extend across the opening before the cans are fully inserted. This preliminary action creates a barrier that prevents the cans from passing through or escaping, while the opening remains sufficiently large to allow easy insertion of the cans during the packaging process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of packaging two cylindrical cans having the same height and diameter includes partially erecting a sleeve from a blank so as to have a single opening at the bottom of the sleeve; arranging the two cylindrical cans side-by-side in the partially erected sleeve such that a side of each cylindrical can extends beyond an outer periphery of the sleeve; securing the cans in the sleeve by folding a cross-panel over the opening at a location between the two cans such that the opening is divided into two smaller openings sized to prevent the cans from passing therethrough; and wherein a measured distance from the cross-panel to a side panel of the sleeve in the two smaller openings is less than a diameter of one of the cylindrical cans.